The TT-AFM is ideal for instrument builders that want to use an AFM as a platform for creating a new instrumentation. This could be for creating a new imaging mode, or combining an afm with another analytical instrument. Customers have access to the systems software, mechanical drawings, and schematics. Because the software is written in Lab View, it can be easily modified to meet very specific demands.
Especially important is that the TT-AFM software was developed in a LabView environment. Thus, changes to the software can be readily impliment by customers that have a labview user license. Additionally, national insturment data acquisition cards can be integrated into the AFM to created a customized experiment.
Instrument Innovators are no longer faced with the decision to have to create an entirely new AFM or live with the limitations of commercail AFM's that have limited documentation and a closed architecture. An option available to TT-AFM customers is the engineering documentation package that includes:
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All of the drawings for the mechanical parts used to build a TT-AFM were created in AutoCAD. The optional documentation package includes printouts of all of the TT-AFM mechanical drawings. Further, if you require a .dwg file for a specific part in the microscope, the AFMWorkshop will provide it to you. Single parts in the microscope can be purchased if you need to modify a part for your needs. Parts are identified by part numbers found on each mechanical drawing. |
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National Instrument's LabView instrumenation programming language is setting the standard as the graphical programming enviroment for developing instrumentation. The TT-AFM includes a VI that can be modified for specific needs. Also, the instrument control protocol for addressing all of the functions such as Z feedbac, XY scanning and stepper motor control is included with the technical documentation package. The Workshop does not provide a LabView software development liscence wich must be pruchased from NI. |
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Direct signal access may be gained from a 50 pin ribbon cable at the rear of the TT-AFM EBox, or from the mode connector at the front of the microscope stage. For developers that want even more access, the technical guide includes the schematics to all of the electronics in the TT-AFM. This includes the photodetector board, the piezo electric control board, the controller main board, and even the power supply board. There are several pinned signal access points on the main controller board. |
